Iowa City, Iowa – The Iowa Department of Public Health has ordered all 118 state hospitals to report daily statistics on the number of COVID-19 patients they have hospitalized, in intensive care and on ventilators. Under the April 3 order, hospitals are required to report on the beds and medical equipment they have available and their supply of personal protective gear.

The department called the order an effort to obtain more timely information about the number of patients hospitalized and hospital capacity. Its deputy director said that a 17% jump in hospitalizations reported last week reflected the improved data collection, not necessarily more patients. Previously, the state relied on local health departments who were tracking patients to report their status.

The order warned hospitals and staff that they could face civil and criminal penalties for failing to comply. Department spokeswoman Amy McCoy said that language was “for awareness purposes,” saying the agency appreciates the assistance it’s getting.

– Associated Press